News
2025 Summer Internship at Yerkes Observatory
We’re thrilled to announce the 2025 undergraduate summer internship at Yerkes Observatory! We encourage all eligible students to apply after reading the information below.
By participating in this internship, students will:
- work with on-site telescopes and historical data, including our 0.6-meter and 1-meter reflectors, 40″ Great Refractor, and glass plate collection
- gain valuable experience in astronomy research and instrumentation
- engage the general public with astronomy by supporting Yerkes programming and events
- receive science communication mentorship and present your work at the end of the program
Applications are now open and will close on Monday, February 10, 2025 at 5pm CT. Applicants should expect to hear back from us by early March 2025. If you have questions about your application or the application process, please email science-info@yerkesobservatory.org.
Program FAQ
Who can participate?
Current undergraduate students and recently graduated students that are not currently enrolled in a graduate program with a B.S. or B.A. in astronomy, physics, computer science or other related STEM fields. Those that have graduated in May 2024 or later are eligible to apply.
This program is open to both domestic and international applicants that are enrolled at a school in the United States. Students studying at community colleges and 2-year institutions are also encouraged to apply.
When will the program take place?
9 weeks over Summer 2025 (June 9 —August 8)
Where will the program take place?
In person at Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay, WI.
What is the program stipend?
Students will receive a $5,625 stipend for completing the program, as well as up to $500 for travel to and from the observatory.
Will I need to secure housing?
No. Yerkes Observatory will provide on-site housing with private bedrooms for each intern and a full, shared kitchen. Occasional meals will be provided but interns generally will be responsible for their own food.
What will participants do during the program?
Participants will engage in a mentored research experience, participate in cohort meetings, support public outreach programming and events at Yerkes, visit other institutions in the midwest supporting astronomy and science outreach, and present their work to the Yerkes community.
Who should I contact if I have questions?
Please direct any questions you have about this program to science-info@yerkesobservatory.org.
How do I apply?
Please submit an application and all relevant application materials using this link by February 10, 2025 to be considered for the internship program.
If clicking the text above does not work, please copy and paste this link in your browser: https://forms.gle/RhHfrHYnBeUzUkmP7
When will I know if I’ve been accepted?
All applicants will be notified via email of their status by early March 2025.